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It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. As such, I think it’s really important to create some quiet alone time at home to get centered and calm. It’s key to also have a specific place in your home where you can create a sense of solace, escape and relaxation.

One of the things that can help is bringing fragrance into your home. It’s another element that can provide pleasure, everyday comforts and create a sense of happiness.

Aromatherapy is a proven technique that appeals to one of our most powerful and often neglected senses. In an effort to ensure your holidays are as stress free as possible, consider bringing the following into your home in the form of essential oils, candles, and potpourri:

Cinnamon has both a stimulating and calming effect. It has been useful in treating depression, as well as uplifting those experiencing anxiety.

Lavender is known for its sedative effect on the nervous system, reduces emotional stress and tensions. It can also relieve anxiety, solve problems of insomnia and ease depression.

Jasmine is calming and balancing to the sympathetic nervous system and may be an aphrodisiac. It is used as an antidepressant, allowing those who are sad to be uplifted as it induces warm calming emotions. It is also used to prevent mental blockage, nervousness and sadness.

Sandalwood has neurological sedative effects on the mind and quiets mental activity. It pacifies anxiety, anger and rage, and induces sleep.

Ylang Ylang calms anger and releases tension. It has been known to lower blood pressure and ease muscle spasms.

Vanilla has a calming, relaxing and comforting effect. It often has a sweet aroma that reminds people of happy memories of home and childhood. It is rich, warm and sweet and is a type of orchid. It relieves stress and is also thought to be an aphrodisiac.

Enter to Win by submitting your most inspiring “Enterain at Home” photo!

As mentioned previously, my personal passions have helped me build a belief system about how specific “Home” and “Gift” products can add pleasure to your daily life. I truly do believe that color, smell, taste, and touch are integral aspects of a more pleasurable life: especially during the holidays!

So I’d love to get inspired by your ideas! Post your most inspiring photo of holiday decor (that is your own photo): and you’ll have an opportunity to get an extra special gift. The winner will win a $20 gift card from Pier 1 Imports! (We have not been paid by this company for this contest, and nor is this contest in any way sponsored by Pier 1 Imports. We just really love their merchandise!)

Please be sure to post your photo using the hashtag #holidayhome, and if on Twitter, please reply to @everydaycomfort

Only one entry/post per person allowed. You must have taken the photo and own the right to post it online; photos taken by others and owned by others are not allowed. Please post your photo on our Facebook or Twitter page by midnight on December 20, 2013. The winner will be notified by January 1, 2014 by EverydayComforts.com.

* Please Note: Anyone found to create multiple accounts on Facebook or Twitter for the sole purpose of multiple entry in this contest will be found ineligible to win; and may have their accounts suspended due to Terms of Service violations on both social networks.

I love travelling with my family for the holidays. But I love staying at home too and inviting people over, just as much. This led me to wonder: what are some of the most memorable photos, the most miraculous moments that you’ve collected with those that you love? Are they at home or when you’re travelling or are they both?

I was thinking about this recently, when I saw a morning news show interview with a philosopher and filmaker who was talking about inspired living and his study of awe. Jason Silva has become known recently, for his YouTube video series, called “Shots of Awe.” In one video in particular, he talked about childlike states of wonder. And I couldn’t help but think about how much we love to travel and experience new things, new places, new possibilities as a way of returning to a more open, childlike state of discovery. Perhaps that’s why it’s nice to go on a vacation for the holidays with family, as you get to experience new things together, and appreciate each other as well as the beauty of life.

In Jason Silva’s video, “Ignite Your Childlike State of Wonder,” I thought this idea regarding inspiration was so apt, especially for the holidays. Haven’t we also sometimes returned to a place we knew in childhood, and seen it differently? Or perhaps went home and appreciated it again, and just walked around and looked up at the stars at night? I think the secret to a happy life may just be in taking that spirit of possiblity and wonder that you might experience as a child or while traveling, and try to experience and appreciate what you have right in front of you, at home.

Happy November! It’s time to get warm and cozy by the fireside. Do you ever feel like you’re too busy for a little self-indulgence? Perhaps this will help inspire you to take a moment to enjoy the joys of Autumn. Top decor tip of the week: use brown, orange, gold and red accessories in your room to ensure your space feels inviting and comfortable. And vote for your favorite autumn inspiration here:

The past few years has been difficult for so many, myself included. I suffered the loss of my Dad, but have been reminded how his legacy and my memories of him have served to inspire me. He left an indelible imprint. There are so many things I’ve learned from him: how to savor chocolate, how to grow a garden, how to capture beautiful moments with photos. And my love of the beach, traveling, cooking and music is directly related to him. I miss him dearly, but continue to learn so much from his example: inspired by both the good and the bad that he experienced to live a better life.

I was able to help him during his last days, by reminding him of many of the things that he enjoyed: things we shared and even things that he taught me. He loved doing crossword puzzles. He used to enjoy listening to the crooning doo-wop music of the Ink Spots, (with gems like “I Don’t Want to Set The World On Fire”) and semi-classical music from Luciano Pavarotti And if he had his choice of Ice Cream flavors, it was usually some kind of Pineapple-Banana-Coconut tropical extravaganza, with Chocolate. I learned how to cook with my Dad. He taught me how to use tools and build things with a hammer and nails, and screwdrivers; so I could help him fix things. And we both loved the smell of Jasmine. My Dad’s favorite season was Autumn, when you could smell the chimney smoke and feel the crispness of the air. It’s my favorite too. Continue reading →

As long as I can remember, I have been more excited about pillows, candles, home decor, furniture and decorative accessories than shoes and apparel. Where the gender stereotype is that men are obssessed with electronic gadgets and women with stillettos, I’ve always been more apt to spend my paycheck at a Vintage Antique Market than at a Nordstroms at the Mall. There is something special and exciting to me about creating special moments, events, pleasurable environments and atmospheres of delight.

Because of this, my personal passions have spilled over into a belief system about how specific “Home” and “Gift” products can add pleasure to your daily life. I love interior design, cooking, gardening and bath/body products because it’s an extension of my creativity that contributes to my happiness. I can create atmospheres of beauty and pleasure where there was none before; and it serves as a vehicle of both expression and comfort. Because of this I truly do believe that color, smell, taste, and touch are integral aspects of a more pleasurable life. As such, I’m obsessed with everything “Home.” Continue reading →

Cupcakes are something I can believe in. And I’m not alone. I’ve recently read articles in various national magazines about the growing trend of “Cupcakeries.” It seems that they are becoming the new decadent dens of delight, for those seeking solace. In these recessionary times, people seem to be spending more in small increments, rather than going on a cruise to Cabo. Simple pleasures such as sugary baked-goods, luxury home products, and spa items that create “staycations” are on the rise. So is it possible that comfort-related products and businesses might be recession-proof ?

Looking at baked goods, for example: it’s a true phenomenon and there’s evidence that it’s just begun. “Sprinkles” Cupcake stores are expanding to over 10 retail locations by the end of this year. Originally just a Beverly Hills store, the company exploded after Oprah raved about it; and after it was mentioned in celebrity magazines as Suri Cruise’s favorite birthday item (her parents got them shipped across the country, when they were on a film shoot). Martha Stewart’s cupcake cookbook was on the New York Times’ best-seller list for months. There are multiple TV programs running on various cable networks called “Cupcake Wars,” “Cake Boss,” and even “DC Cupcakes.” It’s also a growing area in small businesses and blogs. Sunset Magazine recently focused on mobile gourmet food companies, such as high-end Cupcake and Ice Cream trucks (in addition to high-end “roach coaches”). It’s exploded in big business this year, too: “Cinnebon” is expanding their footprint internationally and has recently added cupcakes to their menu.